09/12/2024
REJOICING IN THE LORD
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Rejoice 1 NT Gk agalliao; to be exceedingly glad, greatly rejoice with exceeding joy, 2 kauchaomai; glory, to boast, joy make boast
Rejoice in this context falls on the church, on the believer. Those who are full and have abundance were to be odors of fragrance to others, we the ones who are intentional to initiate a spirit of joy among our brothers and sisters in Christ. Here, the Apostle Paul presented two of his co-workers in the gospel to the church so they might be refreshed and renewed and experience a genuine joy in the Lord. By the church extending this joy, they would put away all dissensions and learn to live and work joyously toward the common goal of advancing the gospel of Christ. When we ourselves are unified in the joy of Christ, joy, becomes natural and automatic. These sojourners experienced the joy of the church and felt welcomed. When the body of Christ is joyful, our guests experience the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, which is the ultimate goal of the church. Think on this.
Let us pray: LORD, I pray for a renewal of my heart and spirit as I prepare to labor in the vineyard. Let me joyful in this good work so others will inquire of you. I pray that if there is any dissension in me give me a spirit of submission to lay it at the foot of the cross so I can live harmoniously and joyfully in Your body. I pray that in this, your name will be lifted high and all the glory points to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.